Hotpoint Refrigerator/Freezer Combination Operating Instructions

Installation

Before operating the appliance, please read these instructions carefully. Keep them for future reference and pass them on to any new owners.

Description of the Appliance

Overall View:

The appliance features the following components:

• Temperature Regulating Knob: Controls the internal temperature.
• Power Indicator Light: Shows when the appliance is powered on.
• Shelves: Removable and height-adjustable, some may include grills.
• Fruit and Vegetable Bin: Located at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment.
• Freezer and Storage Compartment: The lower section for freezing food.
• Ice Tray: For making ice cubes.
• Storage Compartment: Additional storage space.
• Removable Lidded Shelf: Often includes an Egg Tray and Butter Dish.
• Removable Multipurpose Shelves: Versatile shelving options.
• Compartment for a 2 Litre Bottle: Specifically designed for large bottles.
• Bottle Shelf: For storing bottles.
• Levelling Foot: Typically one adjustable foot at the front for levelling the appliance.

Note: Some features may vary by model.

Start-up and Use

Starting the Appliance:

1. Follow the installation instructions.
2. Before connecting, clean the compartments and accessories with lukewarm water and bicarbonate of soda.
3. Insert the plug into the socket and ensure the POWER indicator light illuminates.
4. Turn the TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT knob to an average setting.
5. After a few hours, the refrigerator will reach the correct temperature, and you can begin loading food.

Using the Refrigerator to its Full Potential:

The internal temperature adjusts automatically based on the thermostat knob setting (1=warmest, 5=coldest). A medium position is recommended.

The cooling section is at the back wall of the refrigerator compartment. Frost or water droplets on the back wall during operation are normal.

Setting the knob to high values with large quantities of food or high ambient temperatures can lead to excessive frost and increased energy consumption. Adjust to lower values if this occurs (defrosting will happen automatically).

In static appliances, cold air naturally circulates downwards. For optimal food storage:

• Place only cold or lukewarm foods in the compartment, not hot foods.
• Cooked foods generally have a shorter shelf life than raw foods.
• Do not store liquids in open containers, as this increases humidity and causes condensation.

Food Storage Arrangement:

Using the Freezer to its Full Potential:

• Do not refreeze food that has started to defrost or has already been defrosted; cook and eat it within 24 hours.
• Store fresh food for freezing above the grill in the freezer compartment, ideally in direct contact with the side and rear walls where temperatures drop below -18°C for rapid freezing. Do not let it touch already defrosted food.
• Do not place glass bottles containing liquids, corked or hermetically sealed, in the freezer as they may break.
• The maximum daily freezing quantity is indicated on the appliance's technical data plate (e.g., Kg/24h: 4).
• To maximise freezer space, you may remove bins (except the lowest and the special COOL CARE ZONE bin) and place food directly onto the racks/glass shelves.
• Do not block ventilation holes inside the freezer compartment to ensure proper air circulation.
• Do not open the door during freezing.
• In case of power cuts or malfunctions, do not open the freezer door to maintain the internal temperature for 9-14 hours.
• If the room temperature drops below 14°C for an extended period, the ideal freezer temperature may not be reached, reducing food preservation.

Ice Tray:

The ice tray is located on the top part of the freezer drawers for hygiene. It includes a lid to prevent water spillage during filling.

1. Pull out the tray by pushing it up. Ensure it is empty and fill with water through the opening, not exceeding the MAX WATER LEVEL.
2. Excess water can prevent ice cube dispensing. If this occurs, wait for the ice to melt and empty the tray.
3. Turn the tray 90° to fill each mould with water.
4. Close the opening with the lid and place the tray back in its housing.
5. After approximately 8 hours, knock the tray against a hard surface and wet the outside to loosen the ice cubes, then remove them through the opening.

Maintenance and Care

Switching the Appliance Off:

For cleaning and maintenance, disconnect the appliance from the electricity supply. Setting the temperature knobs to 'OFF' does not eliminate all electrical contact.

Cleaning the Appliance:

• Hotpoint recommends using their Professional Fridge cleaner (contact details provided).
• Clean external and internal parts, and rubber seals with a sponge soaked in lukewarm water and bicarbonate of soda or neutral soap. Avoid solvents, abrasive products, bleach, or ammonia.
• Soak removable accessories in warm water with soap or dishwashing liquid, then rinse and dry carefully.
• Dust on the back of the appliance can be removed with a vacuum cleaner hose on medium power. Ensure the appliance is switched off and unplugged before cleaning.

Avoiding Mould and Unpleasant Odours:

• The appliance is made with hygienic, odour-free materials. Keep food covered or sealed properly to maintain an odour-free refrigerator and prevent stains.
• If switching off for an extended period, clean the inside and leave the doors open.

Defrosting the Refrigerator Compartment:

The refrigerator has an automatic defrosting function. Water is channelled to a discharge outlet at the back, where it evaporates due to compressor heat. Regularly clean this discharge hole to ensure proper water flow.

Replacing the Light Bulb:

Unplug the appliance. Access the light bulb by unscrewing the fixing screw (B) located at the back of the lampcover (A). Replace with a similar bulb not exceeding 15W.

Precautions and Tips

General Safety:

• The appliance is designed and manufactured to international safety standards. Read all warnings carefully.
• It complies with EEC directives for Low Voltage and Electromagnetic Compatibility.
• Designed for domestic use only; not for commercial or industrial use.
• Must be used by adults only, according to instructions.
• Do not install outdoors, even in covered areas; exposure to rain and storms is dangerous.
• Do not touch the appliance with bare feet or wet hands/feet.
• Do not touch internal cooling elements to avoid skin abrasions or frost burns.
• Always pull the plug, not the cable, when unplugging.
• Disconnect from electrical supply before cleaning or maintenance.
• Do not attempt self-repair; repairs by inexperienced persons can cause injury or further malfunction.
• Do not use sharp or pointed utensils or electrical equipment (other than recommended) inside frozen food compartments.
• Do not put ice cubes directly from the freezer into your mouth.
• This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory, or experience/knowledge capabilities unless supervised by a responsible person. Supervise children to ensure they do not play with the appliance.
• Keep packaging material away from children; it can be a choking or suffocation hazard.

Disposal:

• Observe local environmental standards for packaging disposal and recycling.
• The European Directive 2002/96/EC (WEEE) requires that old electrical appliances are not disposed of in unsorted municipal waste. They must be collected separately for optimal recovery and recycling. The crossed-out 'wheeled bin' symbol indicates this requirement.
• Consumers can take old appliances to public waste collection areas or return them to a retailer when purchasing a similar new product.
• Manufacturers are active in creating systems for the collection and disposal of old appliances.

Respecting and Conserving the Environment:

• Install the appliance in a fresh, well-ventilated room, protected from direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
• Avoid keeping the door open for long periods or opening it too frequently to conserve energy.
• Do not overfill the appliance; cold air must circulate freely for proper food preservation. Overfilling impedes circulation and makes the compressor work continuously.
• Do not place hot food directly into the refrigerator; this increases internal temperature, forces the compressor to work harder, and consumes more energy.
• Defrost if ice forms (see Maintenance); thick ice hinders cold transfer and increases energy consumption.
• Regularly check and clean door seals to ensure they are free of debris and prevent cold air escape.

Troubleshooting

If the appliance does not work, check the following before calling for assistance:

• Malfunction: POWER indicator light does not illuminate.
  Possible Cause/Solution: Plug not inserted correctly, or no power in the house.
• Malfunction: The refrigerator and the freezer do not cool well.
  Possible Causes/Solutions: Doors not closing properly or seals damaged; doors opened too frequently; TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT knob not in the correct position; refrigerator or freezer over-filled.
• Malfunction: Food inside the refrigerator is beginning to freeze.
  Possible Causes/Solutions: TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT knob not in the correct position; food is in contact with the back inside wall of the refrigerator.
• Malfunction: The motor runs continuously.
  Possible Causes/Solutions: Door not closed properly or continuously opened; outside ambient temperature is very high; frost thickness exceeds 2-3 mm (see Maintenance).
• Malfunction: The appliance makes a lot of noise.
  Possible Causes/Solutions: Appliance not installed on a level surface; installed between vibrating cabinets; internal refrigerant noise (normal when compressor is off).
• Malfunction: There is water at the bottom of the refrigerator.
  Possible Cause/Solution: Water discharge hole is blocked (see Maintenance).

If these checks do not resolve the problem, contact Hotpoint Service on 08448 224 224 or visit www.hotpointservice.co.uk.

Product failures are covered by a 12-month parts and labour guarantee. Charges may apply if no product failure is found or if the failure is due to damage, misuse, or incorrect installation.

Guarantee

12 Months Parts and Labour Guarantee:

Your appliance is covered by a manufacturer's guarantee for twelve months from the date of purchase, covering breakdown repairs due to workmanship or materials. Hotpoint will, at its discretion, repair or replace the appliance at no cost.

Guarantee Conditions:

• Appliance installed and operated correctly according to instructions.
• Used only on the specified electricity or gas supply.
• Used for normal domestic purposes only.
• Not altered, serviced, maintained, or dismantled by unauthorised persons.
• Repairs undertaken by Hotpoint or an appointed agent.
• Removed parts or replaced appliances become Hotpoint's property.
• Appliance used in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland.

Guarantee Exclusions:

• Damage from transportation, improper use, neglect, interference, or improper installation.
• Replacement of consumable items or accessories (plugs, cables, batteries, light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, starters, covers, filters).
• Replacement of removable glass or plastic parts.
• This guarantee does not apply if the appliance is used in commercial or non-domestic premises.

5 Year Parts Guarantee:

Hotpoint offers a free 5-year parts guarantee, conditional on registering your appliance and having parts fitted by an authorised engineer (engineer's time will be charged). Call the registration line on 0870 6092094 (ROI 01 230 0800).

Extended Guarantees:

Repair protection plans are available. Call the advice line on 08709 088 088 (ROI 01 230 0233).

Free Helpdesk Service:

A dedicated team provides free advice and assistance for technical difficulties within the first 90 days. Call the Hotpoint Service Hotline on 08709 066 066 (ROI 0818 313 413). If the technical problem cannot be resolved, the appliance may be replaced or a refund offered.

After Sales Service

Hotpoint is best placed to care for your appliance throughout its working life.

Essential Contact Information:

Hotpoint Service: For fast, reliable, local service, contact 400 telephone advisors and 1000 qualified engineers.

• UK: 08448 24 24 24
• Republic of Ireland: 0818 313 413
• Website: www.hotpointservice.co.uk

Please have your Model number and Serial number ready when calling.

Parts and Accessories:

Genuine replacement parts and accessory products are available to maintain your appliance's performance and hygiene.

• UK: 08448 225 225
• Republic of Ireland: 0818 313 413
• Website: www.hotpointservice.co.uk

Appliance Registration:

Register your appliance to activate your free 5-year parts guarantee.

• UK: 08448 24 24 24
• Republic of Ireland: 01 230 0800
• Website: www.hotpointservice.co.uk

Company Details:

• Indesit Company UK Ltd. Morley Way, Peterborough, PE2 9JB
• Indesit Company Unit 49 Airways Industrial Estate, Dublin 17

Recycling & Disposal Information:

Hotpoint is committed to environmental responsibility and may use recycled components. Dispose of packaging and old appliances carefully, following disposal legislation. To prevent injury to children, remove the door, unplug the appliance, and cut the mains cable flush with the appliance. Dispose of these parts separately to ensure the appliance cannot be plugged in or the door locked shut.